Composite metal and plastic ski



Sept. 13, 1966 M. E. KENNEDY m COMPOSITE METAL AND PLASTIC SKI 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 2l, 1965 FIG?) FIG.2

FIG.4

INVENTOR. Mld ms/ E /frn/f/dfyrm BY Sept. 13, 1966 M. E. KENNEDY m COMPOSITE METAL AND PLASTIC SKI Filed June 2l, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 8 fm2 Tilo FIG. lo

44 46 4o FIG.

INVE TOR Mfr/md5 ,djf

TV/ Safe f/ Sept 13, 1966 M. E. KENNEDY nl 3,272,522

COMPOSITE METAL AND PLASTIC SKI Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 #la jrm ll-w FIG. I8

Sept. 13, 1966 M. E. KENNEDY nl 3,272,522

COMPOSITE METAL AND PLASTIC SKI Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F I G 22 F l G. 2 5

IN VEN TOR..

7W Sien/Eff United States Patent O 3,272,522 @h/[POSITIE METAL AND PLASTIC SKI Michael E. Kennedy III, Seattle, Wash., assigner to Peter Kennedy, Incorporated, Seattle, Wash., a corporation of Washington Filed .inne 2l., 1965, Ser. No. 465,595 27 Claims. (Cl. 28-11.13)

This application is a continuation-impart of my copending application Serial No. 177,343 filed March 5, 1962, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to a ski and the method for making same.

Over the years there have been developed and used many different skis. For example, one of the rst used and the most elementary skis is the wood ski. This ski is cut from a wooden block and formed to the configuration desired by the skier. Then, as an improvement, the lower outer edges of the ski were rabbetted and metal running edges were connected to the ski. T o increase the strength of the ski, wooden veneer members were laminated. Then there came the usage of wood and metal laminated together and wood and metal and plastic laminated together. Also, the more recent skis have had a plastic base with metal running edges. may be molded into the plastic base or plastic running surface, or the metal edges may be connected to the inner body of the ski by ymeans of metal connectors. The person familiar with the manufacture of laminated objects and laminated skis .is well aware of the cost of laminating veneers. Because of this cost factor, the resulting ski is priced out of the range of many would-be purchasers.

With this knowledge of the manufacture of skis and the cost of making the same, I have endeavored, with this invention, to make a high-quality but low-cost ski having a metal skeleton frame and a plastic body bonded to the frame. With my invention I have eliminated the necessity of laminating veneers to make a ski. Accordingly, one of the advantages of this invention `is a ski having an integral metal skeleton frame and a plastic body bonded to the frame; a ski requiring less maintenance than the conventional ski; a ski where there is no possibility of delamination of the veneer; a closer control of the exibility of the ski so that the desired flexibility of a racing ski can be realized and also the desired iieXibility of la pleasure ski can be realized; a ski having a more closely controlled configuration for the downhill model of the ski and ralso for the slalom model of the ski; a ski having an integral running edge with the result that there is no chance for the edge to become separated from the body of the ski; a ski having a continuous onepiece running edge; a ski having an integral top edge to provide more firm positioning for the ski binding; and, a less expensive method for making a ski than the conventionaliy employed laminated methods.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more particularly brought forth on reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed specification for the invention and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a specific ernbodiment of the invention constructed in accordance with the preferred teachings thereof;

FIGURE 2, taken on line 2-2 of FIGURE l, is a lateral cross-sectional view of a ski and illustrates the skeleton frame and the plastic body bonded thereto;

FIGURE 3, taken on line 3 3 of FIGURE 1, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski and illustrates the skeleton frame and the plastic body bonded thereto;

The metal running edges 3,272,522 Patented Sept, 13, 1966 ICC FIGURE 4, taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski near the front tip of the same;

FIGURE 5, taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 1, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski near the back tip of the same;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of the ski;

FIGURE 7 is a lateral cross-sectional View of 'another preferred embodiment of the invention and illustrates the use of a bracing member;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational View of another specific embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the ski of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10, taken on line 10-10 of FIGURE 8, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski at approximately the mid-part of the same;

FIGURE 11, taken on line 11-11 of FIGURE 8, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski near the front tip;

FIGURE 12, taken on line 12-12 of FIGURE 8, is a lateral cross-sectional View of the ski near the back tip of the same,

FIGURE 13 is a lateral `cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the same, see FIGURE 10, but with a brace between the frame members;

FIGURE 14 is a side elevational view of another specific embodiment of a ski;

FIGURE 15 Iis a plan view of the ski of FIGURE 14;

FIGURE 16, taken on line 16-16 of FIGURE 14, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski taken at approximately the mid-part of the same;

FIGURE 17, taken on line 17-17 of FIGURE 14, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski near the tip of the same;

FIGURE 18, taken on line 18-18 of FIGURE 14, is a lateral cross-sectional view of the ski near the back tip of the same;

FIGURE 19 is a lateral cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the ski, `see FIGURE 16, and illustrates a brace connecting the two members of the ski;

FIGURE 20 is a lateral cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the ski and illustrates the details of construction;

FIGURE 21 is a lateral cross-sectional view of still another preferred embodiment of the ski and illustrates the details of construction;

FIGURE 22 is a lateral cross-sectional View of another preferred embodiment of the ski and illustrates the details of construction;

FIGURE 23 is a lateral cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the sk i and illustrates the details of construction;

FIGURE 24 is a lateral cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the ski and illustrates the details of construction; and

FIGURE 25 is a lateral crosssectional view of another preferred embodiment of the ski and illustrates the details of construction.

In the drawings it is seen that the invention comprises a ski 20 having a metal skeleton frame and a plastic body bonded to the same. The metal skeleton frame is in the configuration of a U having a base member 22 and legs 24. The legs depend from the base member 22 and are outwardly at their lower end to form a running edge 26. At the junction of the base 22 and the leg 24, there is an upper edge 28. It is seen that the base 22 sags somewhat `below the upper part of the upper edge 28. In the base 22 there are a number of passageways 30. It is seen that there is bonded to the metal skeleton frame a plastic 32. The lower part of the plastic 32 is level with the lower part of the running edge 26 of the frame, and there is a groove 34 in the bottom of the plastic body. A comparison of FIGURES 2 and 3 illustrates that that part of the ski illustrated in FIGURE 2 is of .greater depth than that part of the ski illustrated in FIGURE 3. Also, the legs 24 in FIGURE 2 are longer than the legs 24 in FIGURE 3 and that the base 22 sags more in FIG- URE 3 than it does in FIGURE 2. A comparison of FIGURE 4 with FIGURES 2 and 3 illustrates that the ski has very little depth in FIGURE 4 or near the front tip of the ski. The legs 24 are very short and also there is very little sag in the base 22. In regard to FIGURE 5 in comparison with FIGURES 2-3, it is seen that FIG- URE 5 is substantially the same as FIGURE 4 except that the ski is not as wide in FIGURE 5.

In FIGURE 7 there is illustrated a ski 36 which is substantially the same as the ski 20 except that there is a bracing bar or spreading bar 38 running between the inner faces of the legs 24 and near the lower edge of these legs. This bracing bar 38 may be welded to these legs and functions to prevent the legs from spreading under extreme conditions of stress. The bracing bar 38 may be considered to make a box section. More particularly, in FIGURE 7 it is seen that in the lateral cross-sectional view the base 22, edges 28, legs 24 and the bar 38 define a box section. This box section adds stiffness and strength to the ski.

On the side of the ski it is seen that the leg 26 and the running edge 28 are a continuous unitary structure.

In FIGURE 8 there is illustrated another desirable ernbodiment 40 of the invention. It is seen that this ski comprises a metal skeleton frame to which is bonded a plastic body. The skeleton, see FIGURE 10, comprises two metal frames 42, each in the configuration of a Y. It is seen that each Y member 42 comprises a stem 44 and an upwardly directed finger or arm 46 and a downwardly directed finger or arm 48. The upwardly directed arm or finger 46 is of a slightly different configuration than the downwardly directed finger 48. It is seen that the downwardly directed finger terminates in a running edge 50 which projects slightly beyond the end of the finger 46. The two stems 44 are directed toward each other and in these stems there are passageways 52. Bonded to the skeleton frame 42 is a plastic body 54. It is seen that the upper finger 46 provides an upper edge for the ski and that the lower finger 48 provides a running edge 50 for the ski. A comparison of FIGURES l1 and 10 illustrates that near the front tip of the ski the fingers 46 and 48 are of less length than near the mid-part of the ski :as illustrated in FIGURE 10. Near the front part of the ski, the ski is of considerably less thickness than at the mid-part. Also, it is seen in FIG- URE 11 that the distance between the stems 44 is greater than in FIGURE 10. This can be interpreted to mean that the front part of the ski is wider than the mid-part of the ski. A comparison of FIGURES 12 and 1l shows that 12 is very similar to FIGURE 1l, although it is near the back tip of the ski. However, it is seen in FIGURE 12 that the stems 44 and the two Y members 42 are not separated by as great a distance as in FIGURE 11. The ski near the back portion is not as wide as the ski near the front portion.

In FIGURE 13 there is illustrated a ski 60. The ski 60 is of a generally similar configuration as the ski 40 except that the two Y members 42 are joined by a cross bar or bracing bar 62. The cross bar or bracing bar 62 may be welded to the stems 44 and functions to lessen the possibility of the two Y members 42 separating. It is seen that the brace 62 is in the form of a right angle brace.

In FIGURES 14-18 there is illustrated another embodiment 70 of the ski. In this embodiment there is a metal skeleton frame. The metal skeleton frame comprises two members 72 of the general configuration of a T. Each of these T members has a stem 74 and a cross 76. The upper part of the cross terminates in an 4 upper edge 78. The lower part of the cross 76 flares outwardly to form a running edge 86. In the stem 74 there are passageways 82. It is seen that a plastic body 84 is bonded to the skeleton frame members 72 to form the ski.

A comparison of FIGURES 17 and 16, 16 being at approximately the mid-part of the ski and 17 being near the front tip, shows that the cross 76 has been truncated so that the ski is not as thick at the front part as at the mid-part. Also, it is seen that the stems 74 are more widely separated in FIGURE 17 as compared with FIG- URE 16. As a result, the front part of the ski is wider than the mid-part of the ski. A comparison of FIGURES 18, 17 and 16 shows that the back part of the ski is of substantially the same thickness as the front part of the ski, but that the stems of the cross member 74 are not as widely separated as at the front part of the ski, so that the back part of the ski is not as wide as the front part but is wider than the mid-part of the ski.

In FIGURE 19 there is illustrated the ski 90 of the same general configuration as the ski '70. In this regard compare FIGURES 19 and 16. However, it is seen that the stems 74 are connected by a brace 92. The brace 92 may be welded or bonded or fastened to these stems 74. In the brace 92 there are passageways 94 .through which vthe lbody of the plastic may extend. The brace 92 imparts greater strength to the ski in that when the ski lands with a hard blow on a hard surface or on ice or snow, there is less possibility of the skeleton frame members 72 separating.

yThe materials of construction of the ski may be many. 'I'he skeleton frame member such as U member of the ski 20 or the skeleton frame members 42 of the ski 4t) or the frame members 72 of the ski 70 may be of steel or other appropriate metals. One appropriate metal is stainless steel such as 1301 stainless steel. The plastic bodies 32 -or 54 or 84 may be `any of numerous suitable plastic materials. One of the presently employed desirable plastic materials is polyethylene filled with fiberglass strands. The surface of the metal skeleton frame can be roughened or tarnished and by applying the polyethylene, the same upon curing will bond to the metal skeleton frame. As a result there is produced an integral article of manufacture.

The ski 20 may be manufactured by placing a metal skeleton frame in a mold and applying the polyethylenefilled fiberglass to the met-al skeleton frame and then the polyethylene cured to form the finished product. The polyethylene is one continuous integral mas-s and protects the underneath side and the top surface of the metal skeleton frame and leaves the sides exposed. The running edge 26 of the ski is likewise exposed. In regard to the ski 40, the metal skeleton frame members 42 may be placed in a jig and the polyethylene placed around these frame members and the mold pressed over the polyethylene and the frame members. The polyethylene is cured and adheres to the frame members. Likewise, with the ski 7 t), the frame members 72 may be placed in a jig, the polyethylene placed around the frame members, the mold pressed around the polyethylene `and the frame members and the polyethylene cured. Again, there is produced an integral product with one continuous mass of polyethylene bonded to the skeleton frame members.

In FIGURE 20 there is illustrated a ski 100. Tihe metal skeleton frame of ski has a base 22, edges 28, legs 24, and a running edge 26. In the main portion of `the tski between the legs 24 and the base 22 is a filler such as a solid polymeric foam. A suitable solid polymeric foam may be polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, polyester foam or combinations of these foams. The solid polymeric foam may be an open cell or closed cell foam having a `density in the range of 4 to 30 pounds per cubic foot. The foam may be foamed in place. This foam is referred to by reference numeral 102. Also, between the legs 24 and near the running edge 26 is a reinforcement or a reinforcing material 104. The reinforcing material |104 may be of a cloth base such a nylon, Daeron, fiberglass, cotton, or rayon cloth. To this cloth there is added -a resin such as polyester resin or epoxy resin or a polyurethane. The resin may be cured so as to make the cloth a rigid structure. The cloth is bonded to the solid polymeric foam 102. The cloth may be bonded by means of the resin or the cloth may be bonded by pou-ring the ingredients of the foam, before foaming, through the cloth and into the channel formed by the base 22 and the legs 24. Then the ingredients are foamed in place. The metal may be primed so that the foam 102 bonds to the metal. If the resin is added to the cloth of the reinforcement 104, then the resin bonds to the metal. There is a running surface 106. This running surface 106 is positioned outside of the reinforcement 104 and between the ends of legs 24 and adjacent to the running edges 26. The running surface may be of many different materials such as polyethylene, poly-tetratlluoroethylene, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylchloride, or polypropylene. Further, the running surface 106 may be a filled polyurethane, a filled epoxy, or a filled polyetetrafiuoroethylene. These materials may `be filled with graphite or molybdenum disulfide, to name a few.

The reinforcement 104 may vary in thickness from 1/1000 of an inch t-o '07100 of an inch. The running surface 106 will vary in thickness from 5/100 of an inch to 0.13 inch.

Exposed base 22 may be filled with a foam material such as 102 or may be filled with a polyurethane 32 as illustrated in FIGURE 2. On top of the polyurethane 32 there may be positioned an abrasive resistant surface 108 such as a strip of polyvinyl .chloride or Formica. On 108 the skier positions his boot. Therefore, it is desirable to have an abrasive resistant material on this surface as Well as a decorative material.

If .the running surface 106 is polyethylene, then the polyethylene may be bonded to the reinforcing material 1014 -by an adhesive having a catalyst. The adhesive may be spread on the reinforcing materia-1 104 or on the surface of the polyethylene. Then the polyethylene may be yapplied to the reinforcing material 104. rIlhe catalyst causes a generation of heat in the adhesive so that the polyethylene bonds to the reinforcing material 104. Or, the polyethylene 104 may be ame treated by exposing to a blow torch or the like or radiation may be used On the polyethylene. Then, the polyethylene may be applied to -the reinforcing material 104 and the temperature raised to approximately 100 F. By applying pressure t-o the polyethylene, the polyethylene is bonded to the reinforcing material 104 under these conditions.

In FIGURE 21 there is illustrated a lateral cross-sectional vieW of the ski 110 having a base 22, edges 28, legs 24, and a running surface 26. The core of the ski may be of solid polymeric foam 102, such as described with reference to FIGURE 20. There may tbe positioned, on the outer surface of the core 102, and between the legs 24, a film of polyvinyl chloride 112. The polyvinyl chloride 112 may be bonded by means of a suitable adhesive such as a polyester resin, an epoxy resin, or a polyurethane resin. Then, there may be a reinforcing material 114 similar to the reinforcing material 104 described with respect to FIGURE 20 and ski 100. More particularly, :this reinforcing material 114 may be a cloth such as nylon, Daeron, fiberglass, coton, rayon, impregnated with a resin such as a polyester resin or epoxy resin. Then, there may be applied to the outer surface of the reinforcing material 114, -between the running edges 26, a running surface 116. This running surface 116 may be similar to the running surface 106 described with respect to ski 100. More particularly, this running surface 116 may be of polyethylene, polytetraliuoroethylene, polypropylene, or a filled polyurethane, or a filled polytetraifiuoroethylene, or a filled epoxy. The material used for filling purposes may be graphite or molybdenum disulfide.

The polyvinyl chloride layer 112 may have a thickness in the range of 5/1000 to 1/100 inch. The thickness of the reinforcing material 114 may be in the range of IAOOO to 3%000 inch, and the thickness of the running surface 116 may be in the range of V to .13 inch.

In FIGURE 22 there is illustrated a ski 120 similar to the ski 40 of FIGURES 8 through 13. This ski cornprises metal frames 42. Each of these frames has a stem 44, an upwardly directed finger or arm 46 and a downwardly directed finger or arm 48.

The two metal frames 42 may be encased in a solid polymeric foam 122 similar to the foam 102 of skis 100 and 110.

The outer surface of the solid polymeric foam 122 between the two fingers 48 and the running edge 50 is covered by a reinforcing material 104 such `as .reinforcing material 104 of ski 100. Also, the outer surface: of the reinforcing material 104 is covered by a running surface 106. The solid polymeric foam 122 may be bonded to the metal frame 42. Also, the reinforcing material 104 may -be bonded to the solid polymeric foam 122 `and to the metal frame 42. Further, the running surface 106 may be bonded to the reinforcing material 104 and to the metal frames 42.

In FIGURE 23 there is illustrated a ski 130 similar to the ski 40 of FIGURES 8 through 13 and similar to the ski of FIGURE 22. The metal skeleton frame is the same for the ski as it is for the ski 120. On the outer surface of the solid polymeric foam 122 Iand between the two downwardly directed fingers 48 there is bonded a polyvinyl chloride layer 112 such as used in ski 110. Then, there is bonded a reinforcing material 114 to the polyvinyl chloride layer 112 such as in ski 110. Further, there is bonded a running surface 116 to the reinforcing material 114 such as in ski 110.

In FIGURE 24 there is illustrated ski 140 similar to ski 70 of FIGURES 14 through 19. Ski 140 comprises frame members 72 having a stem 74, a cross 76, an upper edge 78, and a running edge 80.

The metal frame 72 may be encompassed in a solid polymeric foam such as used in skis 100 and 120. On the outer surface of the solid polymeric foam 102 between the stems 72 and the lower part of the cross 76 leading to the running edge 80 there may be a reinforcing material 104 `similar to reinforcing material 104 of skis 100 and 120. On the outer surface of the reinforcing material 104 and between the running edges 80 there may be a running surface 106. The solid polymeric foam 102 may be bonded to the metal frame. The reinforcing material 104 may be bonded to the solid polymeric foam and to the metal frames. The running surface 106 may be bonded to the reinforcing material 104 and. to the metal frames.

In FIGURE '25 there is illustrated a ski 150 similar to the ski 70 of FIGURES 14 through 19 and the ski 140 of FIGURE 24. The ski comprises two metal frames 72. Each of these frames 72 has a stem 74, yan upper edge 78, a cross 76, and a running edge 80. The metal frame 72 may be encompassed in a solid polymeric foam 102. On the outer surface of the solid polymeric foam 102 below the stems 74, `and between the lower parts of the crosses 76 leading to the edges 80 there may be bonded `a polyvinyl chloride layer 112 similar to the polyvinyl chloride layers 112 of the skis 110 and 130. On the outer surface of the polyvinyl chloride member 112 and between the leading edges 80 there may be bonded a :reinforcing material 114 similar to the reinforcing material 114 of the skis 110 and 130. On the outer surface of the reinforcing material 114 and between the leading edges S0 there may be bonded a running surface 116 similar to the running surfaces 116 of the skis 110 and 130.

In a lateral cross-sectional View it is seen that the reinforcing `material 104 or 114 in conjunction with the legs 24 and the base 22 of the skis 100 and 110 makes a box section. Similarly, the reinforcing material 104 and 114 in conjunction with the downwardly directed legs or arms 48 and the stems 44 of the skis 120 or 130 makes a boX section. Likewise, the reinforcing material 104 or 114 in conjunction with the crosses 76 and the stems 74 of the skis 140 and 150 makes a box section. The characteristics of the ski may be varied, for different purposes, by the reinforcing material 104 or 114. More particularly, by having a stiff reinforcing material 114, the ski likewise 'becomes stiff and rigid. By having a more exible reinforcing material 104 or 114 the ski becomes less rigid and more exible. As is seen, the reinforcing material 104 or 114 in conjunction with the thickness of the metal, and also the metal itself, and the lengths of the legs 24 or 48 or crosses 76 makes it possible to vary the properties `of the ski with very little change in the basic structure of the ski. Another way of expressing this is that the same basic ski, with slight modification of the components, may be used for racing, competition, pleasure, or downhill skiing. Further, it is possible to make a ski for a child from this basic structure. In addition, one major way to vary the properties of the ski is by the variation of the reinforcing material 104 or 114. The use of fiberglass, fiber such as nylon, Daeron, cotton, rayon, and the like, the different ways of treating these fibers and the use of a resin in conjunction with these fibers makes it possible to vary the properties of the ski. This reinforcing material 104 or 114, to reiterate, adds stiffness to the ski and also completes the box section. Further, the properties of the ski may be varied by the metal used and the thickness of and the length of the ylegs 24, the fingers or arms 46 land 48, and the cross 76. The lower part of the leg 24 forms the running edge 26 and the upper part of the leg 24 provides la support or bearing surface at 28 for the skier or the boot of the skier. The running edge 26, the leg 24 and the support surface are of continuous, integralr metal. Similarly, the lower surface 50 of the downwardly directed finger 48 is the running edge 50 and the upper finger 46 is the support or bearing surface for the skier or the boot of the skier. The running edge 50, the finger 4S and the finger 46 are of continuous integral metal. Likewise, the lower part of the cross 76 forms a running edge 80 and the upper part 78 of the cross 76 forms the support or bearing surface for the skier or the boot of the skier. The running edge 80, the cross 76 and the upper part 78 are of continuous integral metal.

Having Ipresented my invention, what I claim is:

1. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing partof said frame.

2. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed downward and terminating in the running edge of the ski, and one finger directed upwardly and terminating in the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

3. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional conguration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the upper edge, a brace connecting the stems of the two Y members, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

4. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two `T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

5. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the upper part of the cross of the T forming part of the upper edge and the lower part of the cross of the T being directed outwardly to be the running edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

6. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, a brace connecting the stems of the two T members, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

7. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional view presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, said base curving inwardly, and said downwardly directed legs being directed outwardly so that the lower ends of the legs form the running edges of the ski, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

8. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional View presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, said base curving inwardly, said downwardly directed legs being directed outwardly and the lower ends of said legs forming the running edges of the said ski, said skeleton frame having openings therein, and said plastic body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

9. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional View presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, the base of said U curving inwardly, said downwardly directed legs being directed outwardly with the lower ends of said legs forming the running edges of the ski, the lower parts of said legs being tied together with a brace which is integral wit-h the legs, and said plastic body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

10. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger toward the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

11. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the upper edge, a brace connecting the stems of the two Y members, said two Y members having openings therein, and said plastic body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

12. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, and said plastic body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

13. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a plastic body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, a brace connecting the stems of the two T members, passageways in said T members, and said plastic body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

14. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional View presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, said base curving inwardly, and said downwardly directed legs being directed outwardly so that the lower ends of the legs form the running edges of the ski, the lower part of said legs being tied together with a brace, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

15. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional conguration presenting the appearance of two Y members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between said one finger of said each Y member directed toward the running edge, a fibrous reinforcement material between said fingers, and a running surface between said fingers.

16. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y ymembers with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the edge, and said body being bonded to said fra-me and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between said one finger of said each Y member directed toward the running edge, solid polyvinyl chloride between said fingers, a fibrous reinforcement material between said fingers, and a lrunning surface between said fingers.

17. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y `members with the stems of the two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed toward the running edge and one finger directed toward the edge, and said body being bonded to said fra-me and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising `a solid polymeric foam between said one finger of said each Y member directed toward the running edge, a resin impregnated fiberglass reinforcement material between said fingers and bonded to said foam and to said fingers, and a polyethylene running surface bonded to said reinforcement material and to said fingers.

18. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between that part of the crosses of the T members directed toward the running edge, a fibrous reinforcement Imaterial between said crosses, and a running surface between said fingers.

19. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between that part of the crosses of the T members directed toward the running 10 edge, solid polyvinyl chloride between that pa-rt of the crosses, a fibrous reinforcement material between said crosses, and a running surface between said cross.

20. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame `and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the cross of the T directed toward the running edge and the upper edge, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between that part of the crosses of the T members `directed toward. the running edge, a resin impregnated fiberglass reinforcement material between said crosses and bonded to said foam and to said crosses, a polyethylene running surface bonded to said reinforcement material and to said crosses.

21. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional view presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, the lower ends of the legs forming the running edges of the ski, said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between said legs, a fibrous reinforcement material between said legs, and a running surface between said legs.

22. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional view presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, the lower ends `of the legs forming the running edges of the ski, said body being bonded to said frame an-d encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between said legs, solid polyvinyl chloride between said legs, a fibrous reinforcement material between said legs, `and a running surface between said legs.

23. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional view presenting the general configuration of a U with a base and downwardly directed legs, the lower ends of the legs forming the running edges of the ski, said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame, said body comprising a solid polymeric foam between said legs, a resin impregnated fiberglass reinforcement material between said legs and bonded to said foam and to said fingers, and a polyethylene running surface bonded to said reinforcement material and to said legs.

24. A method for making a ski, said method comprising forming a metal frame to have downwardly directed legs, positioning a solid polymeric foam between said legs, positioning a fibrous reinforcement material between said legs, and positioning a running surface between said legs.

25. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame `and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two Y -members with the stems of two Y members directed toward each other and one finger of each Y member directed downward and` terminating in the running edge of the ski, and one finger directed upwardly and terminating in the upper edge, said upper edge being a support surface, and said. body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame,

26. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional configuration presenting the appearance of two T members with the stems of the two T members directed toward each other and the upper part of the cross of the T forming part of the upper edge and the lower part yof the cross of the T being directed outwardly to be the running edge, said upper edge being a support surface, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

27. A ski, said ski comprising a skeleton frame and a body, said frame in a lateral cross-sectional View presenting the general configuration of a U with. a base and downwardly directed legs, said base curving inwardly, and said downwardly directed legs being directed outwardly so that the lower ends of the legs form the running edges of the ski, at the junction of the legs and the base there being an upper edge, said upper edge being a support surface, and said body being bonded to said frame and encompassing part of said frame.

UNITED References Cited by the Examiner 1 2 2,920,898 1/1960 Metcalfe et al. 280-11.13 3,132,874 5/1964 Baudou 2SC-11.13

FOREIGN PATENTS 5 572,337 3/1959 Canada.

967,886 4/1950 France. 1,190,907 4/1959 France. 1,288,203 2/1962 France.

631,879 11/1949 Great Britain. 10 185,181 9/1936 Switzerland. 248,510 2/1948 Switzerland.

BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner.

MILTON L. SMITH, Examiner. 

7. A SKI, SAID SKI COMPRISING A SKELETON FRAME AND A BODY, SAID FRAME IN A LATERAL CROSS-SECTIONAL VIEW PRESENTING THE GENERAL CONFIGURATION OF A U WITH A BASE AND DOWNWARDLY DIRECTED LEGS, SAID BASE CURVING INWARDLY, AND SAID DOWNWARDLY DIRECTED LEGS BEING DIRECTED OUTWARDLY SO THAT THE LOWER ENDS OF THE LEGS FORM THE RUNNING EDGES OF THE SKI, AND SAID BODY BEING BONDED TO SAID FRAME AND ENCOMPASING PART OF SAID FRAME. 